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 August 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa County voters approve 10-year Parks & Open Space Millage renewal
Ottawa County, MI – The Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission extends its sincere gratitude to the residents of Ottawa County for approving the Parks and Open Space Millage renewal and restoration.
The approved proposal renews and restores the Parks and Open Space Millage to its originally authorized 0.33-mill rate for another 10 years, from 2027 through 2036.
“The overwhelming support shows how much Ottawa County residents appreciate these treasured places,” said Kelly Rice, Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Commission President. “It’s a win for the people and wildlife that call Ottawa County home.”
“We are grateful for the continued trust residents have placed in us” said Jason Shamblin, Park Director. “This renewed funding allows us to continue our mission of enhancing well-being by stewarding a connected system of natural communities and promoting outdoor experiences.”
Since first approved by voters in 1996, the Parks & Open Space Millage has served as the primary dedicated funding source for Ottawa County Parks. The renewed millage is expected to generate approximately $6.2 million during the first calendar year after its approval (2027), approximately $1 million of which will fund major renovations, repairs, and upgrades annually, in addition to:
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Operating and maintaining Ottawa County parks, trails, boardwalks, stairways, and facilities
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Keeping parks, playgrounds, and restrooms safe and clean
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Completion of the Idema Explorers Trail
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Completion of planned land acquisitions at Bend Area
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Rosy Mound expansion improvements, including a parking area, ADA-accessible loop trail, and trail connections
What Happens Next
Because the August 4 renewal and restoration was approved, a separate proposal will appear on the November 3 ballot. Voters will consider an additional 0.20-mill investment to expand park improvements, conservation efforts, and recreation opportunities beyond what the renewal alone can support. Funding would support:
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Expanded trail and water access along the county's four major greenways
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New accessible, year-round amenities that make parks more welcoming for people of all abilities, including modern restrooms at Riley Trails, Rosy Mound, Grand Ravines, and Paw Paw Park
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Future improvements at Bend Area, informed by public master planning, to enhance the visitor experience, restore habitat, and expand recreation opportunities
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$3 million for strategic land acquisition opportunities adjacent to existing park properties
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Enhanced nature education facilities and community gathering spaces to better support students, school field trips, and public programming
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New nature playscapes at Paw Paw Park and Hemlock Crossing
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Expansion and improvements to the Grand Ravines Dog Park
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Conservation, habitat restoration, and long-term stewardship of natural areas, including wetland restoration, forest stewardship, watershed planning, and regenerative landscaping
- Preparedness and resilience initiatives to address emerging natural hazards, including flooding and wildfires
A full list of proposed projects is available in Table 13.2 on page 273 of the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
If approved by voters in November, the combined millage rate would total 0.53-mill from 2027 through 2036 and generate an estimated additional $3,763,230 million during its first year (2027). Combined, the two millages would provide nearly $10 million annually to support Ottawa County parks, trails, and open spaces.
More information about the Parks & Open Space Millage, including project details, FAQs, and funding information, is available at miOttawa.org/parks-millage.
About Ottawa County Parks & Recreation
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation manages over 7,700 acres of parks, trails, beaches, and open spaces across Ottawa County, providing opportunities to hike, paddle, explore nature, and enjoy the outdoors year-round. The park system is supported through a combination of the voter-approved Parks & Open Space Millage, grants, partnerships, user fees, philanthropy, and volunteer support.
Media Contact:
Rylie Dorman, Communications Specialist
(616) 994-4774
rdorman@miottawa.org
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